West Fort Bend August 2023

WEST FORT BEND

+Rosenberg boxing coach battles weather and time

Contents &Staff

6 FEATURE STORY

Sabrina Greenlee will be the guest speaker at the 6th Annual Healing & Hope Luncheon.

10 TALK OF THE TOWN Rosenberg resident and boxing coach

Juan Silva Jr. is battling weather and Father

CHAIRMAN, EDITOR & PUBLISHER

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Marquita Griffin mgriffin@fbherald.com

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Time.

18 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Second Street Bass will perform a summer concert in Richmond.

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

Marquita Griffin

Scott Reese Willey Nick Irene

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©2023West Fort Bend Living. All Rights Reserved. West Fort Bend Monthly is a sister publication of Fulshear Living Monthly, Greatwood Monthly, Pecan Grove Monthly and is a publication of the Fort Bend Herald. Our publishing headquarters is 1902 S. Fourth Street, Rosenberg Texas 77471.

From victim to victor

Sabrina Greenlee to speak at Healing & Hope Luncheon

The founder of S.M.O.O.O.T.H., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women impacted by domestic violence, will be the guest speaker at an annual event in Fort Bend centered on domestic violence.

Some may know the name Sabrina Greenlee after she shared her story of survival and overcoming obstacles last year with The Root’s Deputy Editor Tatsha Robertson, but on Oct. 17, Greenlee will continue to share her experiences, motivations and goals as a survivor of domestic violence at the Fort Bend Women’s Center 6th Annual Healing & Hope Luncheon — the center’s annual keynote event in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The luncheon is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Houston Marriott Sugar Land, 16090 City Walk and will benefit the Fort Bend Women’s Center.

As the only full-service domestic violence and sexual assault emergency shelter and crisis hotline in Fort Bend, the Fort Bend Women’s Center provided supportive services to 1,368 adults and 633 youth and assistance to 211 sexual assault survivors last year. tionally, the center offered more than 9,300 men health service hours and more than 36,500 case management service hours.

The nonprofit also reported that it received 11,221 calls to its crisis ho tline.

“Healing & Hope [...] will provide a powerful testimonial of courage, strength, and resilience,” stated Fort Bend Women’s Center of ficials. “You will be inspired by the tenacity of a woman, who despite all odds, continued to persevere by not just surviv ing, but thriving.”

A POWERFUL STORY

Although most are appalled, shocked and grieved by the acid attack that blinded Greenlee in 2002, her story of overcoming physical, mental and emotional bru tality began in childhood.

When she was

10 years old she was sexually assaulted by a man she knew, and neither her mother nor grandmother believed her, and one of her brothers, who was 12 at the time, died in her arms after a car accident. She told The Root that following her brother’s death, her mother forewent the parental attention her surviving children needed, and by the time she was 18, Greenlee had become a teenage mother, had gone through harsh relationships and married an abusive man.

But the late Harris Steve Hopkins, came into her life when Greenlee said she was broken, lost and needed saving. Greenlee said Steve, as he was known, never abused her, and the two had a son, who became NFL player DeAndre Hopkins. Greenlee said Steve also cared for her older two children as if they were his. But when their son, DeAndre, was a few months old, Steve died in a car accident.

In the years that followed, she had her fair share of turbulent experiences as she pushed forward as a single mother. In 2002, however, Greenlee suffered an encounter that put her life on an unanticipated

A man she was dating then had a girlfriend — a woman Greenlee was unaware of — who threw a mixture of Red Devil Lye and Clorox

Blood was everywhere, her skin was slipping off, she couldn’t see, and her ex-boyfriend took her to a nearby gas station. She describes the chaotic moment of having her ex and the store attendant throw water on her from a fountain in the back. Amid the pain and chaos, though, her ex-boyfriend abandoned her.

“I hear [the clerk], but I don’t hear him anymore,” she said in an interview with The Root. “Well, he leaves me there to die.” But Greenlee didn’t.

She was put into a medically induced coma for about a month and when she woke, the road ahead of her consisted of pain, setbacks, and indescribable challenges as she tried to regain sight and move forward.

Greenlee had more than 30 surgeries on each eye, but the operations left her eyes weak, resulting in permanent detachment of her retinas. Greenlee is permanently blind in her right eye and has about 60 percent of sight in her left eye.

The woman who attacked her with the mixture was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

For a little more than three years, Greenlee said she stayed in her room except to go to eye appointments, and at a low point, considered throwing herself into traffic.

“I was broken and I was tired — so tired of being tired, I had to have people come in to come in and feed my children,” she said in a 2022 interview with The Root Institute. “Life was bad.”

Addi- tal

onto Greenlee.

Sabrina Greenlee is a nationally celebrated community activist, author, inspirational speaker, and domestic violence survivor who has dedicated her life to facilitating women’s growth and evolution.

The home she shared with her four children was located near a highway, and Greenlee said she figured she could touch each mailbox to reach it. It was her son, DeAndre Hopkins, who stopped her.

“I figured if I could get out of the house and touch each mailbox [ ...] and get to the final mailbox, I would hear a car coming and throw myself in the road,” Greenlee said.

When she reached the second mailbox her son, who had been following her the entire time, “put his big hand on [her] shoulder” to stop her. They embraced. Greenlee said she was startled because she didn’t know her son was following.

“We never said a word, we start walking back to the house. I went back in my room and we went in his room, and we never talked about it again for years.”

RESTORING, RECREATING AND REPAIRING

Although she said her life has been “no crystal stair,” Greenlee credits her faith for fueling her confidence to inspire people to restore, recreate and repair themselves.

The South Carolina native, mother of four, and grandmother of six became the founder and CEO of S.M.O.O.O.T.H., Inc. — Speaking Mentally, Outwardly Opening Opportunities Toward Healing.

The nonprofit, which Greenlee launched about 10 years ago, connects survivors to reputable community aids, including counseling, personal and mental health, and financial and legal resources.

Through this platform, Greenlee and her team educate and empower women and children through outreach efforts and programs such as Pretty Scars Into Stars, 100 Shades of Purple, S.M.O.O.O.T.H. Santa, and the S.M.O.O.O.T.H. Transition Initiative.

Greenlee is also a recipient of the 2020 Houston Humanitarian Awards and that same year participated in a virtual panel discussion for domestic violence alongside Lisa Nichols hosted by Bank Of America.

She has been featured on ESPN, USA Today, and Living in Fear:

Chronicles I and II, which won an Emmy, and regularly appears on local media outlets from South Carolina to Texas.

Greenlee recently emceed the women’s empowerment rally that hosted over 10,000 Houstonians and appeared on ABC News with the CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Greenlee is also preparing for an autobiography film, “Sabrina,” which is based on her life. The film will be released by BRON Studios.

“My mom has always put everyone before herself and sacrificed things unimaginable,” DeAndre Hopkins said in a statement regarding the film. “Now it’s time for people to see her true value and learn that giving up is not an option.”

Sabrina Greenlee/Instagram | Sabrina Greenlee with her son DeAndre Hopkins during the February 2023 fundraising event Sip, Shop, & Give Back at Blue Nile, which was a collaboration with Blue Nile, her son and S.M.O.O.O.T.H., Inc.

Sabrina Greenlee/Instagram | S.M.O.O.O.T.H. founder and CEO Sabrina Greenlee thanked Houston’s 97.9 The Box and the Madd Hatta Morning Show in 2019 for the time given to share the nonprofit’s efforts and goals over the radio waves.

AU GU ST

Kacey Williams, legislative director for state Rep. Jacey Jetton, center, presents a resolution to Lunches of Love in honor of its late founder Adriane Gray. Accepting the resolution were, from left, LOL staff members Austin Couch, Gloria Couch, Eden Fairfield, Kacey Williams, Elizabeth Fairfield, Emma Fairfield and Jeannette Mathews, Liz Ambriz and Ellen Fairfield.

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‘Small Room Humongous Value’

Fort Bend County District Clerk’s office opens historical documents room to the public story and photo by

SCOTT REESE WILLEY | swilley@fbherald.com

Historical researcher Barbara Crump-Jones knows well the value of looking through historical records that are posted online. She’s always searching for historical records regarding her hometown of Kendleton, Civil Rights icon Willie Melton and the prison convict leasing program better known now as the Sugar Land 95. Jones finds a lot of information online. But she also looks forward to handling historical documents, seeing the actual printed page.

uments have acid in them, which damages the paper, Walker explained. Some of the documents were crumbling, she added.

The preservation firm also inserted the individual pages in plastic, see-through sleeves and the entire case files in fireproof, water-proof binders. The small room is located next to the district clerk’s office.

One of the deputy clerks must accompany visitors to the room. Once inside, visitors will find thousands of historical cases, including the grand jury minutes that involve criminal fornication, property sales that allowed buyers to pay off the land over a 12-month period, and instances in which slaveowners who moved to Texas filed petitions to keep their slaves.

It goes without saying that the documents room includes plenty of cases related to the infamous Bluejays-Woodpecker War. CrumpJones said historical records are invaluable to researchers and the complaints and the testimony of those times give researchers today a glimpse into the stories of those eras and a comprehensive understanding of the past.

“As a historian, I am intrigued by the methods used to resolve disputes and conflicts in court to resolve disputes,” Crump-Jones said. “Many individuals, regardless of their race or literacy level, spoke in the era’s vernacular. I love seeing how they spoke, what they spoke about and things of that nature. It gives you view of the time of those people.”

Rosenberg boxing coach now fighting weather, Father Time

story and photo by SCOTT REESE WILLEY | swilley@fbherald.com

Longtime Rosenberg resident Juan Silva Jr. has taught youngsters how to box for decades, but he’s facing his biggest battle yet: a bruising fight with the weather and father time.

Juan’s 1110 Carlisle St. garage, which he has used as a gym for the past several years, is in need of repair. Weather has eroded the roofing on the garage, allowing water inside the aging structure.

The city has forbidden Juan from using the garage for training until it can be repaired, he said.

“The wood inside is pretty good but the roof is in bad shape,” Juan said.

“There’s nothing like holding the actual document in your hand,” she said. So Jones was ecstatic when Fort Bend County District Clerk Beverley Walker and her staff opened the recently completed historical documents room to the public.

“This is a momentous, significant and what some would say is a very auspicious occasion, because we are about to open a room that is very small...but it’s value is humongous,” Walker told civic leaders and public servants who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony on the third floor of the Fort Bend County Justice Center in Richmond.

“Remember, the District Clerk is one of the oldest positions in county government. We were around at the founding of the Republic of Texas.”

She said the historical document room includes criminal and civil cases that go back to 1838 — before Texas was even a state.

“Those of you who love history like I do, you will remember that Texas became a state in December 1845,” she said. “So we have records going back to the Republic.”

Walker thanked her predecessor, Annie Rebecca Elliott, who started the process of preserving historical documents when she served as district clerk.

“We both realized the importance of preserving these documents and making them available to the public,” Walker said.

Walker also thanked Fort Bend County commissioners, who allocated $2.6 million toward the preservation of the records. A Dallas preservation company performed the task of preserving the documents, many of which had to be “de-acified.” Many historical doc-

He’s hoping folks will help him with the funding for a new roof.

“I would do it myself but I can’t afford to,” he said. “I don’t know how much it will cost, but it’s not a big garage.”

Juan has been boxing since he was 16.

“I used to pick fights with bigger boys just so I could fight them,” he recalled. “I loved to fight. I was good with my fists.”

Eventually, he channeled his thrill of fighting into boxing. Juan boxed as an amateur for about five years and compiled a record of 30 wins and 8 losses before economics forced him to find a steady job.

He became a welder.

But Juan and Vernon Goerlitz teamed up in the 70s to open the Twin City Boxing Club. They taught dozens of kids each year how to box and defend themselves.

Juan said he would weld during the day and rush straight to the

Historical researcher Barbara Crump-Jones, who was born and raised in Kendleton, leafs through one of the many bound volumes of court records available to the public in the recently opened historical documents room on the third floor of the Fort Bend County Justice Center. County Commissioners allocated $2.6 million to the preservation of the historical records kept by the District Clerk.

“The only thing keeping me from training another generation of boxers is my garage roof. If I can get it repaired, I can reopen my gym and teach a whole new generation of young people how to defend themselves.”

gym after work to help Vernon train fighters.

“My wife understood,” he said. “She understood what boxing meant to me and why it was important to me to spend so much time at the gym.”

Juan made certain to train his own children how to defend themselves.

“One time, one of my daughters knocked a man out with just one punch,” Juan recalled. “He was picking on her and put him on the ground. She was only 15.”

Juan’s son, Juan “Bam Bam” Silva III, who has since passed away, competed in the Junior Olympics.

“I thought for sure he would go on to compete in the Olympics and win a medal and go pro,” Juan said.

Twin City boxers often won the lion’s share of prizes at regional and

Greatwood Veterinary Hospital

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To make an appointment for your pet or for more information, please call us at (281) 342-7770 or visit us at 401 Crabb River Road in Richmond.

state bouts, he said.

Juan said he and Goerlitz taught more than just how to punch and block punches.

He said they taught their students discipline, self-respect, morals and principles.

After Goerlitz’s passing, Juan continued to train young fighters off and on.

In 2005, he started training out of his garage.

“People tell me all the time, so-and-so has a bigger gym than you. You train in a garage. And I tell them, some of the best fighters in the world were trained in small gyms, smaller than my garage even. It’s not the size of the gym that counts, it’s the quality of training that matters most.”

Juan said he has coached generations of boxers.

“I have trained young boxers who grew up and had kids of their own who they brought to me to train,” he said.

Juan doesn’t do much of the physical training anymore. Other coaches do that.

“I will sometimes come out and watch and see what they are doing right or doing wrong and correct them,” he explained. “If I see something they are not doing correctly I will show them how to do it correctly. Sometimes I do the pads work.”

The Covid pandemic shut everything down in March 2020, including Juan’s small one-room gym.

Weather and age have kept the gym closed since the pandemic ended.

Juan figures he still has plenty of coaching years in front of him — if he can get that darn roof repaired.

“The only thing keeping me from training another generation of boxers is my garage roof,” he said. “If I can get it repaired, I can reopen my gym and teach a whole new generation of young people how to defend themselves.”

Anyone who wants to donate can call Juan at 346-493-8647.

Longtime Rosenberg resident Juan Silva Jr.

Mexican Bean Salad

INGREDIENTS

1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed & drained

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed & drained

1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed & drained

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 (10 oz) package frozen corn kernels, thawed

1 red onion, diced

½ cup olive oil

½ cup red wine vinegar

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 clove garlic, crushed

2 tablespoons white sugar

1 tablespoon salt

1

½ teaspoons ground cumin

1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper

½ teaspoon chili powder, or to taste

1 dash hot pepper sauce, or to taste

DIRECTIONS

1Combine beans, bell peppers, corn, and red onion in a large bowl.

2Whisk olive oil, vinegar, cilantro, lime juice, lemon juice, garlic, sugar, salt, cumin, and black pepper together in a small bowl. Season with chili powder and hot sauce.

3Pour dressing over bean mixture and toss well. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour. Serve cold.

½ cup white sugar

¼ cup white wine vinegar

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

¼ teaspoon paprika

DIRECTIONS

1Toss together spinach and strawberries in a large bowl.

2Whisk oil, sugar, vinegar, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and paprika together in a medium bowl. Pour over the spinach and strawberries, and toss to coat.

Spinach and Strawberry Salad

INGREDIENTS

2 bunches spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces

4 cups sliced strawberries

½ cup vegetable oil

Stacked Tomato and Burrata

INGREDIENTS

1 vine-ripened tomato, cored and cut into 1/2-inch slices

flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

¼ cup burrata cheese, or more to taste

1 tablespoon torn fresh basil leaves, or to taste

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS

Place a tomato slice on a plate; season with sea salt and black pepper. Spread burrata cheese over tomato slice and top with torn basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil. Top with another tomato slice. Repeat cheese and tomato layering process with remaining slices, finishing with a tomato slice.

NOTE: Mozzarella cheese can be substituted for the burrata cheese, and the balsamic vinegar can be drizzled between the layers.

Taco Salad

INGREDIENTS

1 pound lean ground beef

1 (16 ounce) can chili beans

1 (16 ounce) bottle French dressing

1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix

1 (14.5 ounce) package tortilla chips

1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

1 cup chopped tomatoes

½ cup prepared salsa

4 tablespoons sour cream

DIRECTIONS

1Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease. Stir in chili beans, French-style dressing, and seasoning mix. Fill the empty dressing bottle 2/3 full of water and add to the skillet. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.

2Crush the bag of chips, open the bag, and toss crushed chips into a large bowl. Add lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes. Pour meat mixture into the bowl; mix well. Top with salsa and sour cream.

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 cups chopped fresh cilantro, leaves & stems

DIRECTIONS

1Cut cucumber in half lengthwise and gently scrape out seeds with a spoon. Cut each half crosswise into 2-inch pieces. Cut each piece lengthwise into thin, uniform strips and transfer to a bowl. Toss cucumber with 1 teaspoon salt and let stand 15 minutes.

2Meanwhile, cut green onions and bell peppers into thin, uniform strips, about 2 inches long.

3Transfer cucumber to a fine-mesh sieve, rinse, and drain well. Whisk together vinegar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add cucumber, green onions, bell peppers, and cilantro, and toss well.

Cucumber Dressing

INGREDIENTS

1 cup plain yogurt

½ cucumber, peeled and finely chopped

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground white pepper

DIRECTIONS

In a blender, combine the yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and refrigerate until chilled.

Ranch Dressing

INGREDIENTS

1 cup mayonnaise

½ cup sour cream

½ teaspoon dried chives

½ teaspoon dried parsley

½ teaspoon dried dill weed

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

⅛ teaspoon salt

⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

Watermelon Salad

INGREDIENTS

¾ cup halved, thinly sliced red onion

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 ½ quarts seeded, cubed watermelon

¾ cup crumbled feta cheese

½ cup pitted black olive halves

1 cup chopped fresh mint

2 tablespoons olive oil

DIRECTIONS

1Place the onion slices in a small bowl with the lime juice. The acid of the lime will mellow the flavor of the raw onion. Let stand for 10 minutes.

2In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, feta cheese, black olives, onions with the lime juice, and mint. Drizzle olive oil over it all, and toss to blend.

Caesar Dressing

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

¼ cup lemon juice

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons anchovy paste

½ teaspoon mustard powder

4 cloves garlic, crushed

INGREDIENTS

Tiger Salad

½ English cucumber

1 ¼ teaspoons salt, divided

3 large green onions, white and tender green parts only

1 large green bell pepper

1 large red bell pepper

2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar

1 ½ tablespoons toasted sesame oil

3 tablespoons sour cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

In a food processor or blender, combine olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, mustard, garlic, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Process until smooth. Pour into a glass container, seal, and refrigerate until ready to use.

Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl until well-combined. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Thousand Island Dressing

INGREDIENTS

3 eggs

¼ cup Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon white sugar

¼ cup white vinegar

1 pinch ground cloves

1 quart mayonnaise

¾ cup sweet pickle relish

½ cup chopped black olives

½ cup diced red bell pepper

DIRECTIONS

1Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel, and chop.

2In a medium bowl, whisk together chopped eggs, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, vinegar, cloves, mayonnaise, relish, olives, and red pepper until evenly combined. Chill and serve spooned over fresh greens. Store in the refrigerator.

Watkins returns to Terry as hitting coach

by NICK IRENE | nirene@fbherald.com

Ricky Watkins, an alumnus of Terry and former player on Ranger Field, has returned to his alma mater as the new infield and hitting coach for the Rangers.

Watkins, who played shortstop on the same field back in 2003, makes his long-awaited return to Ranger Field. Although he spent only his senior year here, Watkins made a name for himself as an all-district shortstop and was recognized as the Fort Bend Herald All-Area MVP.

During his time, Watkins led the 4A league in stolen bases, successfully stealing 43 out of 45 attempts.

“It’s exciting to come back to the place you played and were a big part of,” Watkins said. “It’s cool to go back and help kids who were in the same shoes as me 20 or so years ago.”

Watkins would play collegiately at The University of Texas-Permian Basin before transitioning to coaching. Terry Head Coach Justin Gougler enthusiastically announced Watkins’ addition to the coaching staff, stating that it is a “tremendous” enhancement for the program. Gougler emphasized Watkins’ strong reputation both in the game of baseball and within the community. He believes that Watkins’ arrival will positively impact the student-athletes for years to come and elevate Terry baseball.

Watkins’ extensive coaching resume includes a five-year tenure at Westbury Christian High School, where he coached 14 college signees and three individuals selected in the MLB draft.

In 2020, Watkins began his tenure as an assistant coach for Wharton County Junior College, where the team achieved a record-breaking 37 victories during the 2022 season. Watkins commended Coach Gougler’s leadership as the skipper of the Rangers and eagerly anticipates contributing to Terry’s back-to-back postseason aspirations.

“The kids know how to act over at Terry and a culture is already there,” Watkins said. “My job is to go there and improve what they already have.”

Rosenberg Lions Club spotlights 2023-2024 scholarship winners

The Lamar Consolidated ISD 2023-2024 Scholarship recipients were recognized and honored recently at the Lions Club meeting at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The families of the students were also present.

Lions are involved in community service and extend the mission of service every day in local communities, in all corners of the globe.

Their services are broad covering sight, health, youth, elderly, the environment and disaster relief. The Lions Club international network has grown to include more than 200 countries and geographic areas.

For information regarding the Rosenberg Lions Club scholarship program, contact Lion Scholarship Chair, Vickie Lynn Tonn at vickietonn@yahoo.com.

From left are Amanda Rodriquez from Terry attending UT Austin, Vickie Lynn Tonn Director and Scholarship Chair and Alfredo Enrique from George Ranch attending TSTC Fort Bend

Interview practicum preps

TSTC students for job hunt

Students sat down nervously across a table from coaches prepped to ask them questions. At the start of a 30-minute timer, the interviews began.

More than 40 Texas State Technical College students worked on their interview skills over two days at a recent interview practicum held at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus.

The days were split into two sessions each, with students rotating between interview coaches three times.

“I’ve received a lot of positive feedback,” said Isaiah Albright, an Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology student working toward his associate degree. “Speaking for everyone here, we were all nervous starting, but now it really feels like I’m being prepared for an actual interview.”

Each of the students brought with them resumes that they had prepared with the help of TSTC Career Services representatives. While some students were interviewed in pairs due to the large number of them, each practice interview was treated as much like a real one as possible.

The coaches, a mix of TSTC staff and faculty in addition to industry representatives, asked broad questions about whatever industry the students are training for.

One of the coaches on the second day was Sarah Woods. She is a student in the HVAC Technology program working toward a certificate of completion and an associate degree. After being interviewed on day one, she volunteered to do the interviewing on day two. With a background working in the HVAC industry, she felt a need to help other students prepare to enter the workforce.

“I feel like I’m contributing and helping provide a more realistic response for what employers want,” Woods said. “I really try to help them (the students) think outside the box.”

With most of the students in attendance being close to graduation, it was a good opportunity for them to prepare before having to job hunt.

Kent Weed, a Career Services representative, said sharpening interview skills is key to obtaining a good job.

“We try to encourage students to let us help them be prepared for interviews,” Weed said. “Even outside of this event, we do one-onone interviews with those who are close to graduating. If they are driving on the way to (an interview), we tell them they can call and we’ll ask them questions to help calm them and feel more prepared.”

Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.

Jackson R. Reed Travis B. Terry

2023 Fort Bend County Fair entertainment lineup released

The Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo Association announced the six musical acts to entertain and energize the community this fall during the Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo running Sept. 29 - Oct. 8.

The fair’s most notable acts include famous country star Tracy Byrd and Grammy-winning swing band Asleep at the Wheel. Byrd, who performs on Oct. 7, has released numerous award-nominated albums throughout his two-decade career. Some of his No. 1 hits include “Holdin’ Heaven,” “Watermelon Crawl,” and “The Keeper of the Stars.” Asleep at the Wheel was formed in 1970 and has won 10 Grammys throughout an illustrious career. Popular songs include “The Letter That Johnny Walker Read,” “Choo Choo Ch’Boogie,” and “Route 66.”

Jennifer Williams, president of the Fort Bend County Fair Association, and Barbara Robertson, spokesperson for the Fort Bend County Fair, spoke excitedly about the 2023 lineup.“Here at the Fort Bend County Fair, with the artists we bring, you can truly enjoy a lot of different types of music,” Robertson said. “I think our board really worked hard to bring a lot of different artists where people will find who they like.”

Houston-born and raised country artist Josh Ward will open the 10-day festivities on Sept. 29. Ward makes his second appearance at the fair since 2012 and has had seven consecutive No. 1 hit singles in Texas, including “Together,” “Change My Mind,” and “Broken Heart.”

Local favorites, the Josh Abbott Band, will play on Sept. 30. The Lubbock-based band has sold more than 300,000 albums and is best known for their songs “Settle Me Down,” “Oh, Tonight,” and “She’s Like Texas.”

Grammy-nominated La Energía Norteña will grace the stage on Oct. 1. The Dallas-based group, known for its Norteño and Regional Mexican music, has gained a significant following since its formation in 2010. The band is best

known for their songs “Me Dejé Llevar,” “Hasta El Último Día,” and “Tú No Eres Nada.” Oklahoma-based Southall rounds out the lineup and will perform on Oct. 6. Notable songs include “Why” and “Clean Slate.”

Tickets are now on sale at fortbendcountyfair.com.

Second Street Brass to perform summer concert

Second Street Brass will perform a selection of light-hearted tunes in Richmond on Aug. 12.

From 2-3 p.m. in the meeting room of the George Memorial Library at 1001 Golfview Drive in Richmond, Second Street Brass will entertain the audience with songs from popular movie themes and folk songs to jazz classics and traditional hymns put to modern adaptations.

Formed in 2013, the musical ensemble has been performing in the Rosenberg area at fundraising events, private parties, and for CAST Theatrical Company for several years. All the musicians are also members of the Rosenberg Symphonic Band.

The summer concert performance is free and open to the public. For more information visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, or call George Memorial Library at 281-342-4455 or the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.

In addition to the Second Street Brass’ summer concert, George Memorial Library offers more free monthly programs for children. The library regularly presents a variety of free children’s programs, adult computer classes, book clubs, and special programs for people of all ages each month. All programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit Fort Bend County Libraries website at www. fortbend.lib.tx.us or call George Memorial Library (281-342-4455) or the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS:

Craft packets will be given out at the end of each program, so that children may take them home to enjoy. The library announced Pajama Night Story Time, After-School Breaks, and Creative Connections will resume in September.

Family Story Time

When: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. in the

Tracy Byrd

Josh Abbot Band

Josh Ward

Southhall

Asleep at the Wheel

La Energia Nortenia

Meeting Room. (The program will not be held Aug. 2, 3, 9 and 10).

What: Families with children of all ages will enjoy stories, songs, and action rhymes. Aug.16 and 17: Bedtime; Aug. 23 and 24: Music & Sounds; and Aug.30 and 31:Alphabet/Counting

YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS:

Intended for teens in grades 9-12.

YA Game Night

When: Thursdays, Aug. 3 and 17, 6-7 p.m. in Room 2A.

What: A variety of board games, video games, card games, and chess sets will be available, but those attending are welcome to bring their own favorite games, as well. Snacks will be provided.

Young Adult Advisory Council

When: Thursday, Aug. 10, 6 -7 p.m. in Room 2C.

What: Teens entering grades 9-12 who are interested in an exciting new leadership opportunity and volunteer service hours are invited to attend this meeting of the Young Adult Advisory Council. Members will have a chance to share ideas about library programs, help out at events, give suggestions for teen services, books, and movies, and meet new people.

Information Literacy: Read Between the Lines

When: Thursday, Aug. 31, 6-7 p.m., Room 2C

What: Teens will learn how to locate, evaluate, and use information to make informed decisions and participate effectively in a world filled with fake news.

ADULT PROGRAMS:

Autumnal Adult Coloring

This program is for adults and teens, 16 years old and older. Registration required.

When: Saturday, Aug. 5, 10:30 a.m.- noon, Meeting Room

What: Learn more about adult coloring which has been shown to lower heart rates and is thought to lower blood pressure. The creative process of coloring can also be a way to exercise the brain. Unwind and relax while re-discovering this favorite childhood activity and demonstrating strokes of creative genius.

Story Spinners Writing Club

When: Thursday, Aug.17, 5:30-8:30 p.m. in Room 2C.

What: This month’s topic is “Showing vs. Telling.” From beginning blogger to published novelist, writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome to write, share, learn, support, network, and critique each other’s work. Writing prompts, brainteasers, and brief exercises will be available to ignite the imaginations of any and all wordsmiths

who wish to hone their craft. This program is recommended for adults and teens aged 14 and up. and up.

ADULT BOOK CLUBS

Heavy Inks Graphic Novel Book Club

When: Saturday, Aug. 19, 11 a.m.-noon, Room 2B

What: Readers of all ages who enjoy illustrated novels and comic books are invited to join this book club specifically for graphic-novel enthusiasts. For August, readers will discuss Giant Days, Volumes I-III, created by John Allison. This title is available in print; call the library to check availability of additional print copies. This book club meets on the third Saturday of every month.

Book Break Book Club

When: Thursday, Aug. 17, noon- 1 p.m., Room 2A

What: A variety of popular fiction is discussed in this book club, which meets on the third Thursday of every month. Those attending may bring a lunch. This month, readers will discuss Rules for Visiting, a novel written by Jessica Francis Kane. This selection is available in print and digitally as an ebook and e-audiobook on OverDrive/Libby; call the library to check availability of additional print copies.

Use It or Lose It: there’s an expiration date on a young boy’s voice

Audition for the Fort Bend Boys Choir

by TIANA MORTIMER, FBBCTX Executive Director

So many activities … so little time. That is often a parent’s lament when choosing activities for their children. Can we fit in swimming or baseball when we already have music lessons and soccer?

Here is a helpful hint, especially when it comes to boys – keep the music lessons. And if that young boy loves to sing? Schedule an audition with the Fort Bend Boys Choir now.

Did you know there is an expiration date on a young boy’s voice?

Admittedly, boys can sing anywhere, anytime. However, the unchanged treble voice of a young boy, you know, the one that is high and pure and sounds like an angel — that voice comes with an expiration date. You will not know exactly when it will change, but that change is inevitable. Hormones slowly take over, the voice starts to crack and deepen and that lovely, unchanged singing voice is gone forever.

There are many lost opportunities for vocally talented boys when parents overlook choir activities or put them off for something else.

The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas, a nonprofit boy choir organization, has been making a difference, one boy at a time for 42 years. They are holding auditions by special appointment throughout the summer for young boys with an unchanged voice. The good news is that no experience is required.

Boys from all over the Greater Houston area, not just Fort Bend, can reap the benefits of a unique music education not found anywhere else. The fall 2023 season kicks off Aug. 17, meeting every Thursday evening at the First United Methodist Church-Missouri City. To audition, boys should be around eight years old or going into the

Your Home for Dentistry

Dr. McCrea has been creating healthy, beautiful smiles in Richmond/Rosenberg since 1994. Dr. McCrea and Dr. Vo are both graduates of and current Professors at the Herman Hospital based General Practice Residency Program for UTDS Houston. Their goal is to work with each patient to produce the best possible outcome based on that patient’s individual needs and desires.

YOUR

HOME FOR DENTISTRY

Dr. McCrea has been creating healthy, beautiful smiles in Richmond/Rosenberg since 1994. Dr. McCrea and Dr. George are both graduates of and current Professors at the Herman Hospital based General Practice Residency Program for UTDS Houston. Their goal is to work with each patient to produce the best possible outcome based on that patient’s individual needs and desires.

third grade when school starts. For boys ages six and seven, the Fort Bend Boys Choir offers Music Magic, an eight-week music enrichment program and no auditions are required. This class meets on Tuesdays starting in October.

Don’t let a young boy’s voice go unheard! Schedule an audition today.

Contact the Fort Bend Boys Choir office at 281-240-3800 or visit fbbctx.org/auditions/ for additional details.

Landon Bynum and Grant Mosely encourage auditions.

Dr. Kyle D. McCrea & Dr. Mary George

Dr. Kyle D. McCrea and Dr. Victoria Vo

Fort Bend Master Gardeners education center earns award

story by NICK IRENE | nirene@fbherald.com

The Fort Bend Master Gardeners earned first-place honors from the state for their Vegetable Garden Enhancement Project. The thrilling news was announced during its annual luncheon at The Range in Rosenberg in late June. Louie McDaniel, the Texas Master Gardener Volunteer Ambassador, presented the Search for Excellence Award to the Fort Bend chapter in the Teaching Site category. Carol Gaas, President of Fort Bend Master Gardeners, was grateful to the state organization for the honor privilege.

“We very much appreciate that we had the opportunity to create this garden because it impacts the citizens of the Fort Bend County area with all of the fresh produce we produce to give to our local food banks,” Gaas said. “It was a culmination of efforts by different master gardeners to make this happen and the citizens who have supported us through our fundraising efforts to create the garden.”

The garden comprises 17 cedar planters growing over 30 varieties of vegetables, an herb garden, a native plants garden, and a 625-squarefoot pavilion complete with a 1,625-gallon rainwater irrigation system. The gardeners cultivate tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, peppers, and other fresh produce. Gaas encourages the community to visit the education center on Band Road to witness the garden firsthand.

“We don’t want to be the best-kept secret,” Gaas said. “We want people to come out and see this, learn from what we are planting, and try it themselves in their backyards.”

For more information, please visit fbmg.org.

Texas Master Naturalist training class opening

Become a member of the Coastal Prairie Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program by enrolling in the Fall 2023 training class on Aug. 19 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. The Coastal Prairie Chapter covers Fort Bend, Waller and Wharton counties.

The Fall 2023 training class will begin with an in-person meeting on Aug. 19, with the other classes being held Tuesday evenings via Zoom and field sessions taking place on Saturdays. The program lasts approximately 13 weeks with about 14 sessions. The course fee will be due when the candidate’s application is approved.

To register online visit txmn.org/coastal.

Living Sustainably Club: Design for Abundance: Permaculture Basics

The Fort Bend County Libraries’ Living Sustainably Club will meet 6-7 p.m. on Aug. 21 to discuss permaculture.

Suzanne Bonefas from the Association for Regenerative Culture, will share the basic elements and ethics of permaculture, a system for developing agricultural ecosystems that are intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient. An approach to agriculture that adopts elements seen in natural ecosystems, permaculture explores the relationship that exists between humans, plants, animals, and the Earth. Learn how the concepts of permaculture can be applied to various aspects of life, as well as to growing food.

The Living Sustainably Club meetings are live-streamed through Webex. Registration required. Call 281-633-4726.

COMPLEX NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS Treated in Sugar Land

At Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, our physicians collaborate across specialties to diagnose and treat common to complex neurological disorders. With innovative and advanced treatment options, we provide personalized comprehensive care — close to home. Our team of physicians treats a variety of conditions, including:

• Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders

• Aneurysms

• Brain tumors

• Multiple sclerosis

• Neuropathy

SCAN HERE

• Parkinson’s disease and tremors

• Sleep disorders

• Spinal disorders

• Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA)

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call 281.274.7979.